John Wick’s High Table & The Elder: The Secret Power Running the Underworld Revealed

Many followers of this franchise would likely concur that a crucial factor in its success lies in the intricate and creative construction of its fictional universe. The character portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who is famously known as the underworld assassin John Wick, may be the central pillar of the series. However, without the development of the world surrounding John Wick, the franchise might not hold the captivating appeal that it currently does.

A multitude of factors contribute to the covert existence and structure of the secretive global network known as the Underworld. This clandestine society, riddled with strict regulations that even hardened criminals fear, imposes severe penalties such as excommunication on its members. At the pinnacle of this complex system is the High Table, a council consisting of crime leaders who govern the majority of activities within the Underworld. Few hold greater power than the High Table, but one figure towers above all others.

The High Table Oversees the Underworld

A Council of 12 Crime Lords Sit in Coveted Seats

In the Underworld, it may appear as though lawlessness reigns supreme amidst its criminal elements, but a distinct set of rules is always in play. Absence of such regulations would lead to utter chaos, given that the Underworld essentially serves to prevent anarchy from engulfing a world predominantly composed of criminals. The Underworld’s reach extends across the globe, functioning primarily on cash and favors. Notably, there are certain consistent features worldwide, such as numerous branches of the Continental Hotel – a sanctuary where any member of the Underworld can find refuge and safety.

In the fictional world of John Wick, the Underworld follows an organized structure, symbolized by the High Table or simply ‘The Table. This council consists of twelve crime bosses who lead the most dominant criminal organizations within this underworld. One representative from each organization sits at the High Table, making it the supreme power in the Underworld. They establish and enforce rules, with any violations leading to severe repercussions. Generally, the Underworld respects and fears the High Table, as very few individuals disregard the rules they’ve established.

Those who occupy seats at the High Table wield considerable influence. It’s important to understand that their power isn’t limited to their criminal organization alone. Typically, they have a network of influential individuals such as politicians, law enforcement officers, and other powerful figures under their control, using them to carry out their agendas. Much of the High Table’s history remains veiled in secrecy, yet its power and reach extend significantly beyond the 12 council members seated at the table. The High Table also boasts influential figures beneath the council, including Adjudicators, Harbingers, and specialized agents.

The movies imply that the Table existed prior to the Roman Empire and has functioned flawlessly since its inception. The series portrays the High Table as an entity greater in scope than any conventional government. Upon reflection, this idea does seem plausible. Given that the Underworld spans across the globe, it follows that the High Table should also have a global reach. No known government possesses such comprehensive influence.

The High Table’s Rules

In the shadowy realm known as the Underworld, laws aren’t like those in ordinary society, making it challenging to apply them to a sprawling international criminal network. However, the ruling body, the High Table, does impose certain unbendable rules. Violating these rules is akin to being “excommunicated.” An Underworld member thus exiled will forfeit all access to Underworld resources and no longer receive any form of protection from fellow members. Assisting an excommunicated individual is also punishable. Being excommunicated often spells doom, and these deaths are typically quick, considering the intricate workings of the High Table.

Rule #1: No one is allowed to conduct “business” on Continental grounds. This more or less boils down to being unable to kill at the Continental Hotel. Every Continental Hotel is a safe haven for assassins and criminals where they can go and know they are safe from all harm.
- Fans first see someone break this rule in John Wick (2014). Ms. Perkins attempts to kill John on Continental grounds for Viggo Tarasov. Ms. Perkins breaking this sacred rule ultimately leads to her undoing.
Rule #2: Never decline a marker. The Underworld often deals in favors instead of money and if an Underworld member makes a deal with another member, they have no choice but to honor that deal. If the person who holds the marker calls upon the person who made the deal, they have to answer the marker. The person is forbidden from killing the person who holds the marker as a way to get out of the deal. The marker must be completed before any sort of vengeance can be taken out against the person who holds the marker.
- Fans see an example of this in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). John Wick attempts to turn Santino D’Antonio’s blood oath marker down. This results in Santino blowing up John’s house and Winston reminding John that he has no choice but to honor the marker, no matter what Santino asks for. Santino wants John to kill his sister, Gianna. Gianna was one of the 12 High Table members and Santino wanted her seat.

In the world of John Wick, there are two iron-clad rules that stand out above all others. Some fans speculate that killing a member of the High Council might be equally off-limits, but this raises a conundrum regarding John Wick’s blood oath to Santino. If Santino was asking John to do something that was also an unwaivable rule, he could have had a valid reason to refuse the marker without facing consequences.

Every Known High Table Member

Fans Haven’t Met All 12 Members of the Council

To clarify, the High Table comprises 12 influential figures who lead their respective criminal enterprises. Beneath these leaders lie countless operatives at different ranks, all working tirelessly to maintain the High Table’s unchallenged dominance. It is essential that the Underworld accepts and adheres to the High Table’s orders without question or resistance. As of now, viewers have only glimpsed a fraction of the council members; the majority of those who serve under the High Table remain unknown.

The High Table Council

To date, only two out of twelve positions at the High Table have been formally unveiled. The Camorra, an Italian criminal syndicate, holds one such position. Originally belonging to this organization, the seat and power were passed down from the father, D’Antonio Senior, to his daughter, Gianna, in a turn of events depicted in John Wick: Chapter 2. In this movie, Santino forced John to track down Gianna so he could seize her High Table position. After holding the seat for approximately two days, Santino met his end at John’s hands. As of now, the series has yet to reveal who took over the Camorra’s vacant seat following Santino’s demise. The upcoming film John Wick: Chapter 4 (2024) introduces a new character, Killa Harkan, who leads a German mob and owns a well-known nightclub, the Himmel und Hölle.

In a similar fashion to Gianna and Santino, Killa faces his demise at the hands of John Wick. However, before Killa’s downfall, he came close to outsmarting John Wick. As a formidable fighter, Killa delivers heavy, crushing blows that nearly overwhelm the renowned assassin. It remains unclear who has taken over Killa Harkan’s position at the High Table as the other ten members have yet to be identified, even with the John Wick series potentially entering its 5th chapter. Among the criminal organizations that hold seats on the council are the ‘Ndrangheta, Russian Bratva, Latin American cartels, Chinese Triad, Japanese Yakuza, and Cosa Nostra. The identities of those representing these organizations are yet to be disclosed.

The Adjudicator was Parabellum’s Main Villain

Underneath the 12 members of the High Table Council lie other significant and influential figures, one of which is the Adjudicators. The public is initially introduced to the Adjudicators in the movie John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019). When John Wick assassinates Santino on Continental grounds, the High Table dispatches the Adjudicator after him not only as retribution for killing Santino but also to safeguard the remaining members of the High Table. As it becomes evident that John intends to target the council, they are left with no other option than to intervene.

In simpler terms, adjudicators are individuals responsible for handing out penalties to those who violate the rules. Each of these adjudicators has a distinct identifying token. Adjudicators have the freedom to employ assistants to help them with their tasks. In the movie “Parabellum,” an adjudicator hires Zero and his trainees, the Shinobi, for assistance in their duties. Not only does this adjudicator pursue John Wick, but they also mete out punishment to the Director and the Bowery King for aiding John.

Harbingers Act as the Underworld’s Judges

In the movie “John Wick: Chapter 4,” a character known as The Harbinger makes an appearance. He communicates to the New York Continental about its impending destruction. Furthermore, he supervises John Wick’s duel within the High Table at the end of the film. Unlike others, The Harbinger doesn’t show preference towards either the High Table or their adversaries. Instead, they function as the impartial judges of the Underworld. Essentially, it’s their role to maintain fairness in punishments and provide an opportunity for those not deserving of scrutiny to persist.

Autem Imperators are the High Table’s Sheriffs

Apart from the High Table Council and the Elders, Autem Imperators are arguably the most influential agents at the High Table. Often referred to as “the sheriffs of the High Table,” these individuals hold a superior position over Harbingers and Adjudicators due to their authority to act as judge, jury, and enforcer for those who violate their decrees. In the film John Wick: Chapter 4, one encounters an Autem Imperator by the name of Marquis Vincent de Gramont.

Following John Wick’s assassination of the Elder, the Marquis unexpectedly amasses significantly more authority than usual. Throughout the fourth movie, his sole objective is to eliminate John Wick at any cost. As John dismantles the High Table’s defenses, they become weakened and exposed. The Marquis isn’t merely intent on killing John; he also aims to reinforce the High Table’s structure to prevent it from collapsing altogether.

The One Who Sits Above the Table, Explained

The Elder is the Only One Who is Higher than the 12 Council Members

The movies devote considerable attention to detailing the 12 members of the High Table and their subordinates. At first glance, it appears that the council holds unchallenged power in the Underworld; however, this isn’t entirely accurate. Above the High Table lies a solitary figure, the Elder – also known as “the One who presides over the Table.” The Elder is the head of the High Table and the most powerful entity in the Underworld. The title of Elder is inherited by the person holding the position.

In the realm of the Underworld, the Elder wields greater influence than any other figure, even surpassing the 12 council members who convene at the Table. His authority is absolute, allowing him to decide upon whatever he deems fit after considering the available information. Should someone breach one of the High Table’s inviolable rules, the Elder possesses the power to overturn their punishment. In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the character of the Elder is introduced. John petitions the Elder for a pardon regarding his transgressions against the High Table, which he grants. However, in return for this pardon, the Elder demands that John undergoes a trial of loyalty by amputating his ring finger and agreeing to a pledge.

John is ordered to eliminate Winston, a highly respected New York hotel owner and manager whom he considers a close friend. This task troubles John greatly because of their strong bond. The Elder, who resides in the heart of the Moroccan desert, is guarded by numerous agents that report to him. He lives in isolation, far from major cities. Though he seldom engages in killing personally, he controls many illicit activities. Some time between his debut in “Parabellum” and “Chapter 4,” the Elder who previously forgave John stepped down, making way for a new leader. Despite the Elder’s transformation, John decides to assassinate him as part of his strategy to undermine the High Table.

Your ring has vanished, much like the wisdom I once held. If you thought coming here would bring an end to this by taking my life, then you are misled. My demise won’t alter the outcome any more than you can transform your essence. We all embody our true selves, and none of us escape the consequences of our actions, or the Table. The only way John Wick will ever find liberty or tranquility, now or in the future, is through death.” —The Elder to John Wick

The Next John Wick Projects May Showcase More of the High Table

Ballerina Could Show a Different Side to the High Table

Contrary to the apparent demise of John Wick in “John Wick: Chapter 4”, there are whispers of a potential fifth installment. The details about this hypothetical sequel, particularly the source of conflict, remain unclear. John Wick’s enmity with the High Table has been resolved, making it unlikely that he would orchestrate his own death and disrupt this peace by instigating another confrontation with them. If he is indeed alive and drawn into another fight, it must be significant.

If the fifth film doesn’t build upon or match the scale of John Wick’s confrontations with the High Table and its associates, it might appear insignificant in comparison. There’s a fear that such a film could potentially be redundant for the plot. Unfortunately, this was the reception for The Continental: From the World of John Wick, a spinoff that didn’t fare well among audiences. However, more spinoffs are planned for the successful franchise, with another one already in production.

Currently, we have a new installment on tap within the franchise, titled “John Wick: Ballroom Vengeance.” This upcoming film is scheduled for release in 2025, with development starting back in 2017. The narrative unfolds between “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” featuring a ballet dancer protagonist who adopts the skills of the Ruska Roma assassins to avenge a lost loved one. Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as John Wick, and given its placement within the series timeline, it appears that John is once again evading the High Table.

As ballerina Eve Macarro transforms into an assassin, it’s expected that she’ll gain insights about the High Table and understand the potential risks of opposing them. Her interactions with John Wick will reinforce this, as she’ll witness firsthand the destructive power of the High Table. The future appearances of this organization within the franchise are yet to be fully revealed, but it seems that they have more stories to tell.

2025-05-05 07:06